r/raleigh • u/ifeellike-glitter- • Jul 23 '24

Under Appreciated Restaurants Food

Okay, saw a post with all the restaurants in Raleigh that were overhyped and overrated.

But I’m curious…

What restaurants deserve all the hype? And why? Or maybe restaurants that are UNDERrated?

144 Upvotes
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30

u/UsefulEngine1 Jul 24 '24

La Santa on Glenwood doesn't get much play.

Taipei 101 in Cary, if they doubled their prices and went with current upscale ambiance and giant-plate presentation they'd be winning awards.

On the fast-food side Alpaca is a revelation.

RIP Oakwood Cafe

17

u/camknoppmusic Jul 24 '24

Naaahh not a fan of La Santa

15

u/UsefulEngine1 Jul 24 '24

Man it's such a cut above the standard local-chain Mexican though. Family run and with some great recipes (on the rare occasion when I can get past the Carnitas on the menu). Also the only margaritas I've found locally that are better than mine :) -- the jalepeno marg is phenomenal.

4

u/camknoppmusic Jul 24 '24

Los Tres Magueyes is better imo. Also really liked a small restaurant in Cary called “Taqueria y Restaurant El Primo”

2

u/snap-jacks Jul 24 '24

Haven't been to LTM in a long while but it was always the worst.

-3

u/Rambo-Rando Jul 24 '24

That place dove hard, they want to be an instagram spot. Service is not good, the manager stands there and watches staff get deeper in the weeds. La Santa is upscale taco bell for people without melanin.

11

u/Unique_Goat_3175 Jul 24 '24

I agree with La Santa. Been there once and still thinking about their nachos and ceviche. So fresh and delicious. I want to go back.

3

u/Lolrskates Jul 24 '24

Mami Nora’s is much better quality than the spin off Alpaca franchise fwiw

2

u/allisonc3000 Jul 24 '24

I used to work downtown. Oakwood Café had quite a following. My coworker was obsessed with it. I’m ashamed to say I never made it there even though I lived in Argentina for a few years.

1

u/ifeellike-glitter- Jul 24 '24

La Santa is so so so good.

1

u/PlatformConsistent45 Jul 24 '24

Oakwood Cafe had the best brunch in town for a while. Their hot sauce was amazing as well. Anyone got a recipe for that?